Stress is something most of us know very well. It seems impossible to escape at times. I have lots of ways that I deal with it, I knit or visit with my best friend. I dance. But maybe you don't have the time for these activities or maybe you just don't know where to start. Here are
5 ways to de-stress that won't take much of your time.
1. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate (with 70% cocoa or more) fights cortisol, the stress hormone, and has an overall calming effect on the body.
Chocolate also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which offer many health benefits. Chocolate may also help fight heart disease and lower the chances of cancer.
But remember to watch the amount you eat. Most commercial chocolate is very high in sugar and fat.
2. Meditation
You don't have to go to a studio or take a class, there are lots of great online meditations you can try. Meditation not only relieves stress, it benefits our overall sense of well being, increases productivity and combats asthma, anxiety disorders and heart disease.
Try the
Isha Kriya guided meditation, Once you get the hang of the instructions, it will take you 12 minutes to complete. Who doesn't have 12 minutes?
3. Mantras and Chants
The US Department of Veterans Affairs ran a series of studies with US Army veterans and discovered that mantras and chants helped prevent burnout in stressed individuals. The sounds and music helped create a sense of calm in the participants. These studies used the Buddhist mantra "
Om Mani Padme Hum," which takes only 6 minutes to chant.
If you play it in the background at work, it might just increase your sense of work satisfaction.
4. Classical Music
Studies have found that classical music helps people recover more quickly from stressful situations. Going classical at work can raise your mood and work satisfaction. It will also boost your IQ (the Mozart Effect) but that will only last 15 minutes at the most.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is full of amino acid L-theamine which can help you de-stress after a long day. L-theamine has a proven relaxing effect on the body. Although green tea contains caffeine which could amp you up, the positive effects of the L-theamine are enough to make it all worth it.
Next time you feel like you are being crushed under the weight of your responsibilities, give one of these methods a shot. Tell us what you do to de-stress.
